Top 10 Ways to Get the Smell Of Urine Out of the House
Co-Authored by Tena Scallan, TheUltimateCaregivingExpert.com
Libertyville, IL, October 25, 2021 – Keeping a house clean can be a lot of work. Incontinence can add additional stress in terms of odors and leaks. Whether cleaning up after a cat or dog, a young child, a loved one who is managing incontinence or yourself, it can be difficult to remove urine stains and odors.
According to Everyday Health, people managing incontinence tend to drink less liquid in hopes of reducing troublesome leakage but urine can become highly concentrated and have a bad odor. And, if there is a pet in the home such as a puppy or senior dog or cat, accidents on carpets and other surfaces may be an issue.
Incontinence may also lead to an increase in bladder and urinary tract infections, causing urine to become very concentrated and strong-smelling.
Top 10 Ways to Control Odor
Whether it is the smell of fresh urine or an old one, driving the smell away is important. Here are some tips for keeping the smell of urine out of the home:
1. Practice Good Hygiene
Hygiene is extremely important! Practicing good personal hygiene can be vital in preventing infections, coming into contact with unnecessary bodily fluids and controlling odors. According to The Ultimate Caregiving Expert, here are tips to maintain an odor-free home:
- Wash hands with soap and water
- Use gloves when appropriate
- Use hand sanitizers
- Cover mouths and noses while sneezing and coughing
- Take appropriate measures to keep areas pest- and insect-free
2. Clean With a Towel or Paper Towel
It is always best to clean urine as soon as possible. Wipe the area until no urine remains. Even old newspapers can be used to soak up urine. Make sure the area is completely dry. If a towel is used, place it in a plastic garbage bag immediately after cleaning up and throw it away if it cannot be washed and dried without smelling. Heaven Scent Extra Large Disposal Bags offer a larger opening, easy-to-tie handles and an opaque color for discreet disposal of bigger messes, as well as a fresh powder scent to mask odors.
3. Use Soap and Water or High-Quality Cleansing Wipes
Once the entire area is dry, use soap and water or high-quality personal cleansing wipes to thoroughly clean. NorthShore Supreme Quilted Wipes and Baby Wipes are ideal for sensitive skin, hypoallergenic, unscented, alcohol-free, paraben-free and latex-free. The soft wipes are premoistened with Aloe and Calendula to soothe the skin. Can be used for cleansing of the entire body. One-wipe dispensing makes cleanup quick and easy.
4. Try an Enzymatic Cleaner
If it’s a particularly stubborn urine stain, consider using an enzymatic cleaner. Urine from mammals, whether human or pet, contains uric acid crystals. Enzymatic cleaners bind with and destroy the uric acid. The enzyme products that work well have the correct combination of enzymes and other ingredients to destroy the uric acid crystals and at the same time eliminate the bacteria surrounding the urine that causes the odor.
5. Use a Black Light
A black light can be used to see any stains that might have been missed during the cleaning process. While using the black light, mark any stains with chalk to better locate and erase them.
6. Use a Wet Vac with Lukewarm Water
Avoid using hot liquids directly on carpet and other surfaces. Using lukewarm water and a wet vac/steam cleaner on larger stains or soiled areas is recommended. Many hardware stores even offer rental options.
7. Mix Baking Soda, Peroxide and Dish Detergent
Make a solution of baking soda, peroxide and any dish detergent. The combination of the three is often powerful enough to drive away even the strongest of urine smells. Mix together 8 fluid ounces of peroxide, 3 tablespoons baking soda and a few drops of dish detergent. Test a small area first to make sure it does not discolor flooring, carpet or any other surface. Spray the mixture onto the affected area and allow it to sit for 10 to 20 minutes. After, brush/rub the area down.
8. Homemade Spray with Essential Oil
If you prefer more natural cleaning methods, another homemade solution to remove the smell of urine from carpets and floors is to mix together 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon vinegar, ½ teaspoon orange essential oil and about 5 ounces of hydrogen peroxide. Test in on a small area first. Spray the prepared mixture onto any stains. Let it dry completely. If powder remnants are visible after drying, clean them up with a vacuum cleaner. If the smell of urine still persists, repeat.
9. Use an Underpad or Bed Pad
Choose from a wide selection of waterproof underpads and bed pads to keep surfaces clean and reduce odors throughout the home. Underpads, also sometimes referred to as bed pads, are flat absorbent pads with waterproof backing that protect upholstery, flooring or sheets. These provide an easy way to avoid having to remove urine smell from couches or other furniture.
Underpads are also popular with pet owners who use them as puppy training pads or for older dogs and cats suffering from bladder control issues. There are two types – disposable and washable.
Disposable underpads, often referred to as Chux, are very popular multipurpose protectors. NorthShore offers a variety of options, including MagicSorb Disposable Underpads offering all-day or all-night waterproof super-absorbent protection with a superior wicking and odor-absorbing lining. Whether for a baby, pet or adult, extra-long sizes are perfect for protecting beds, floors, furniture or any surface.
Washable underpads are soft, highly-absorbent and durable. Available with or without tuckable flaps, they are often used by caregivers to help with repositioning. Champion XD from NorthShore can protect linens and upholstery for up to 250 washings. Washer and dryer friendly.
10.Open the Windows
Open the windows and let the air in to try and rid the home of odors and smells. Make sure windows are open when cleaning up stains to air everything out and lessen the risk of inhaling dangerous chemical smells. Leave the windows open for several hours to continue airing it out.
Helpful Products
The right products can make a huge impact in addressing odors caused by urinary leakage. NorthShore offers a wide range of supplies such as cleansing wipes, underpads, bed pads, Chux and more to make cleanup easy and sanitary.
According to Ultimate Caregiving Expert’s website, “A healthy environment is imperative … the place … needs to be clean, safe and free from any form of dirt, that can attract bacteria and other disease-causing organisms.”
